On this beautiful morning, August 6, 2010, the angels summoned our beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Maria Elena Garduno Montoya, to join Jesus in his heavenly home. Quietly and peacefully she answered His call. We are reminded by St. Francis of Assisi's prayer that "It is in dying that we are born to eternal life" There is no doubt a joyful reunion and celebration in heaven as she joins loved ones who have gone before her. Those whom she left behind will find solace, peace, and comfort by recalling her goodness, kindness, charitable ways, and thoughtful caring of those who were in most need. Despite her failing health, she found strength through her faith in God, commitment to family, and pride in her work and home. "Descansa en paz".
Maria Elena, fondly known as "Helen" was born in Las Vegas, March 26, 1942 to the late Geronimo Garduno and Antonia Garcia Garduno. Her maternal grandparents are the late Higinio Garcia and Valeria Montano; paternal grandparents, the late Pedro Garduno and Adela Lucero, all from Chaperito, N M. She was preceded in death by her father, Geronimo in 1991, her mother Antonia in 2003, beloved brothers Jerry Garduno in 1986 and Pete Garduno in 1996, beloved sister Isabel G. Chavez in 2008, infant brother Juan Bautista Garduno, and sister Edwina C. Garduno. She was also preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, Marilla Dominguez Garduno and Beatriz Martinez Garduno, Liria M. Trujillo; Godson Alvin Garduno; niece Denise Garduno; nephews Pete Trujillo, and George Trujillo. Also preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law Pedro and Isabelita Montoya; brother-in-law Bernardino Montoya; Uncles Eduardo Montoya, Jose Montoya, and Ramon Montoya.
She is survived by her husband Carlos Montoya of Las Vegas; sons Michael Montoya of Las Vegas and Miguel Rainwater and wife LaDawn of Lamar, CO; daughters Gloria Gallegos and husband Willie of Watrous, Ruby Lovato and husband Frank of Las Vegas; grandchildren Charlene Lopez and husband Carlos, Eric Lee Lovato, Roberta Lovato, Carlitos Montoya, Steven Montoya, Raymond Montoya, Trinidad Gallegos, Shanise Gallegos, Buster Rainwater and spouse Zandra, Justin Rainwater and spouse Teri, and Daniel Isgar; great-grandchildren Andres Lopez, soon-to-be-born baby boy Lopez, Sienna Rainwater, and Colton Rainwater.
Also surviving are her brothers and sisters and their families: Ray Garduno and wife Andrea, Alice Gallegos and husband Donald, Viola Garduno, Antonio Garduno, Daniel Garduno and wife Antonia, Edwina Gallegos, Gilbert Garduno, Joe Garduno, Rose Ann Trujillo, and Rose Mary Garduno all of Las Vegas, NM, Della Gonzales and husband Rosalio of Arlington, TX, Lorraine Hernandez and husband Fred of Pueblo, CO, and Leo Garduno and wife Patricia of Los Lunas, NM, and step-sister Rebecca Ortiz and husband Ralph of Las Vegas. Also surviving are her brothers- and sisters-in-law Manuel Chavez of Las Vegas, Daniel Trujillo of Las Vegas, Fermin Montoya and spouse Sarah, Elma Garduno of Thornton, CO Pricilla Montoya of Ojo Feliz, Also surviving is Aunt Tomasita Montoya of Ojo Feliz; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends. Rosary services will be conducted on Monday, August 9, 2010 at 7:00 PM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 9:00 AM, also at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM with Father C. John Brasher as celebrant. Burial will follow at San Jose Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers: Eric-Lee Lovato, Carlos Lopez, Trinidad W. Gallegos, Carlos James Montoya, Joseph Chavez, Pete Rivera, Lawrence Gonzales, Trini E. Gallegos, Christopher Hernandez, John A. Baca, and Esequiel Gonzales (honorary pallbearer).

Arrangements are under the direction of the Rogers Mortuary Las Vegas, NM,
1-800-479-3511 or 505-425-3511.